(MENAFN) Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker on Sunday voiced his support for a Senate initiative aimed at blocking US arms sales to Israel, saying it sends a crucial message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Gaza’s deepening humanitarian crisis and widespread reports of starvation.

Pritzker told NBC News that Israel must ensure that food aid reaches innocent Palestinians and take all necessary steps to prevent further starvation. His comments came amid discussions about Netanyahu’s planned ground invasion of Gaza City and last week’s Senate votes on resolutions to halt specific weapons transfers to Israel.

The resolutions, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, were supported by 27 Democrats—a majority of the party’s caucus—up from 15 who backed similar measures in April. Both measures ultimately failed by more than 70 votes along bipartisan lines.

Since October 2023, Israel has conducted an extensive military offensive in Gaza, killing over 61,400 Palestinians, nearly half of whom were women and children. The campaign has left the region facing famine. Despite global concern over escalating violence and allegations of ethnic cleansing, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved Netanyahu’s plan to expand military operations and fully occupy Gaza City.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The International Court of Justice also noted that Israel’s actions could plausibly constitute genocide and issued provisional measures requiring compliance with international law and the provision of aid to Palestinians under siege.

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